VICE PRESIDENT GORE ANNOUNCES NEW STEPS
TO ADDRESS UNLAWFUL CONDUCT ON THE INTERNET

Washington, DC -- The Vice President announced today a new
Executive Order establishing a working group charged with addressing
unlawful conduct involving the use of the Internet. President Clinton
signed the order establishing an interagency working group that will
report its recommendations to the President and Vice President within
120 days.

As the Internet grows and changes, it offers dramatic and exciting
benefits to the lives of Americans. However, it also has the potential
to allow those who seek to violate or evade the law new opportunities.

"Unlawful activity is not unique to the Internet - but the Internet
has a way of magnifying both the good and the bad in our society," Vice
President Gore said. "We may not need new laws. But what we need to do
is find new answers to old crimes."

"The working group will help to make the Internet a safe place for
all Americans by examining the extent to which existing federal law and
technological tools are effective in combating crime on the Internet,"
the Vice President added.

The group provides an opportunity to take a comprehensive approach
to unlawful conduct on the Internet, such as the illegal sale of guns,
explosives and controlled substances. The working group will provide a
forum to achieve new and creative solutions to the challenges posed by
criminal activity on the Internet. Rapid technological changes on the
Internet will often outpace any new laws and regulations that Congress
may pass. Rather than addressing these issues in isolation or through
piecemeal legislation, the group will help provide a full understanding
of the scope and applicability of current law, the extent to which new
technological tools or resources can help in the fight against crime,
and the potential to use other means to lower the risks from unlawful
acts on the Internet through empowering users.

The working group will undertake its review in the context of
current Administration policy, which includes support for industry
self-regulation where possible, technology-neutral laws and regulations,
and an appreciation for the Internet as an important medium both
domestically and internationally for commerce and free speech. The
working group will seek input from industry, consumer, and other private
sector groups, along with state and local law enforcement officials on
how best to achieve its mandate.